Weekly Dispatch, 12/19/10
"Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it." Bruce Lee
The headline reads, "A Fate That Narcissists Will Hate: Being Ignored." That's from the New York Times online from 11/29/2010. The article highlights narcissistic personality disorder, among 4 other personality disorders, that as of this time may be left out of the DSM V as decided by the committee that is reviewing the Axis II diagnoses.
I did not mention this article to start a clinical debate, but to introduce the real issue I wish to address. You see, the problem with personalities is that everybody has one. The only question is how much one allows his/her personality to get in the way!
Personality, perhaps more than any other quality, is cited most often as being either the best or worst quality of whoever is the topic of gossi-, um, I mean conversation, at the time.
It can be the deal-maker, or breaker, when it comes to asking or being asked out for a second or subsequent date. It can be a conduit or a roadblock when one is trying to communicate a point.
Genetics is often cited as the excuse for a flawed personality ("His mother/father/aunt's niece's cousin twice removed is exactly the same way.") Nature vs. nurture argument aside, personality is the unique element of one's being that sets that person apart from all other people.
Stephen Covey writes of the shift from a Personality-centered to a Character-centered paradigm in The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. No matter how satisfied you or others are with your personality, it takes more than having a game-show host persona to get ahead and be successful. It takes having substance in the form of principles and values that are nonnegotiable.
This time of year is dedicated to intentionally gathering with at least a certain number of people whose personalities grate on our psyches like nails on a chalkboard. It would help us to remember that vulnerabilities are easily masked behind negative personality traits designed to protect from memories, thoughts, or conversations that are hurtful or even harmful. So don't let anyone get to you- look through to the substance underneath and remember the things that are most important this holiday season.
Merry Christmas,
Glen
(For the NYT article mentioned, go to http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/30/health/views/30mind.html?_r=2)
Monday, December 20, 2010
Saturday, December 18, 2010
A note for Sunday morning, 12/19/10
Discovering your ministry gifts?
Remember the acronym DOORS:
Remember the acronym DOORS:
D= Desire: “Here am I, Send me!” (Isa. 6:8)
O= Obedience: “Go ye into all the world and preach the Gospel…” (Mark 16:15)
O= Opportunity: “A man’s gift maketh room for him…” (Prov. 18:16)
R= Respect: “Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…” (Eph. 4:1)
S= Sovereignty of God: “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance…” (Rom. 11:29)
(form a presentation I made on Wed. night, 9/24/08 at Beech Bluff UPC called "Laboring Lambs".)
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Weekly Dispatch, 12/12/10
My weekly email of encouragement to my team at Youth Villages...
Passion vs. Compassion
Just a thought- we can get so wrapped up in chasing after what we want the most that we, well, step on other people... I dunno, maybe? I think it happens.
I've always been fascinated by the similarity of the two words in my title, since they are the same except for three letters.
They seem totally unrelated, though, at least in our modern ways of looking at them. But by definition, they are very similar. The tiny difference, however,
should make all the difference.
Passion- to suffer.
Compassion- to suffer together.
That's it, that one word- together. Makes all the difference.
Now, passion today typically describes something that one wants so badly that it is ached for- time, money, effort, nothing means more than obtaining that
object or state-of-being that is one's "passion."
Compassion typically means identifying with someone's sufferings and aching to relieve that suffering, with total abandon for all else, until the need is met.
How are we to apply all of this? Simply, there has to be a balance between the level of passion and compassion in each of our lives.
Too much passion- ambition at the expense of relationships.
Too much compassion- relationship at the expense of motivation to achieve.
I think one of the greatest gifts we can offer anyone is the example of our passion to do great things, things that will live on long after any of us are gone.
That means we have to take time for ourselves and cultivate passion.
But it also takes time and effort to relate to those we work with and live with, to help them cultivate a passion in their hearts for something more than themselves.
To give them a leg up or a helping hand, and then watch them take off on their own, knowing that they will do the same for someone else down the road.
Happy trails,
Glen
Passion vs. Compassion
Just a thought- we can get so wrapped up in chasing after what we want the most that we, well, step on other people... I dunno, maybe? I think it happens.
I've always been fascinated by the similarity of the two words in my title, since they are the same except for three letters.
They seem totally unrelated, though, at least in our modern ways of looking at them. But by definition, they are very similar. The tiny difference, however,
should make all the difference.
Passion- to suffer.
Compassion- to suffer together.
That's it, that one word- together. Makes all the difference.
Now, passion today typically describes something that one wants so badly that it is ached for- time, money, effort, nothing means more than obtaining that
object or state-of-being that is one's "passion."
Compassion typically means identifying with someone's sufferings and aching to relieve that suffering, with total abandon for all else, until the need is met.
How are we to apply all of this? Simply, there has to be a balance between the level of passion and compassion in each of our lives.
Too much passion- ambition at the expense of relationships.
Too much compassion- relationship at the expense of motivation to achieve.
I think one of the greatest gifts we can offer anyone is the example of our passion to do great things, things that will live on long after any of us are gone.
That means we have to take time for ourselves and cultivate passion.
But it also takes time and effort to relate to those we work with and live with, to help them cultivate a passion in their hearts for something more than themselves.
To give them a leg up or a helping hand, and then watch them take off on their own, knowing that they will do the same for someone else down the road.
Happy trails,
Glen
A note for Sunday morning, 12/12/10
I am only in the beginning stages of studying this out, but I am excited and want to present what I have as I have it.
As a believer who is called to the ministry of the Word and also called of God to interact with the world as a professional (social worker), I have thought and prayed about the spiritual ministry of the believer who is not called to full-time church ministry. I know God wants us to bring the lost “in,” but I also truly believe that we are called to minister through the work of our hands, hearts, and minds as we apply them to daily labor through employment. This gets hard to do in many professional contexts as many businesses and professions are hostile to workers sharing the Gospel openly.
I believe there is a biblical model for looking at how we minister in the workplace and in the world, and the following thoughts come together from that.
The true believers in Christ make up a priesthood that is God’s corps of grace-bringers on Earth. 1 Peter 2 is a good starting point for studying this out. Much of what Peter describes in the chapter concerning believers can be seen in the priesthood of Aaron and his descendants.
2:5- “… an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices…” Our praise to God in life and on the job is a demonstration of offering spiritual sacrifices: "…a royal priesthood… that ye should show for the praises of him…” (2:9).
2:11- “I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims…” The tribe of Levi, and the children of Aaron, had no inheritance among their brothers. They had only cities of refuge. We are that way among the lost of this world.
2:12- “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by [your] good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.” The work of the priest was an example seen by everyone. It is good and holy work that will glorify God in on the last day.
Exodus 29 describes the garments, preparation, and anointing of the priests. The priests were anointed to carry out a redemptive work- ministering the statutes of God while exhorting the people to be closer to God. Gal 6:1 calls for those who are spiritual to restore those who have stumbled in a fault. The high priest performed the atonement year after year for the sins of all the people. Christ prayed on the cross, “Father forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
This is an introduction to the priesthood of believers, and I hope will jump start some thinking on each of our parts as to how we are carrying out Christ’s work in the world today.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Unity
Christian unity is often misunderstood, in my opinion. Unity does not say, "Why can't we just get along?" Unity says, "When we don't get along, we are still together because we are bound to something greater than us."
I use the word "bound" quite literally. Consider Eph. 4:3: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
"Unity of the Spirit" is not unity within the Spirit; this same chapter goes on to say there is only one Spirit. "Unity" is literally "agreement" or "unanimity", meaning that we have a unanimous agreement with the Spirit of God. this is a believer's contract with the Holy Spirit.
"In the bond of peace" refers to a binding together with peace that is like the sinews that bind muscle to bone and make togetherness and function possible in the human body. The Spirit's contract is to be kept in the bonds of love, fellowship, togetherness, brotherhood, and all things that lead to peace.
There are no lone wolf Christ-followers. My personal covenant with Christ is demonstrated in my peaceable attachment to the Body of Christ. The Spirit contract leads to right relationship with all of God's other children. "By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John 13:35.
There are consequences in our relationships for breaking the Spirit contract. More to come.
(Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - Ephesians 4:3 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 10 Dec 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=4&t=KJV >)
copyright December 10, 2010 by Glen Gaugh
I use the word "bound" quite literally. Consider Eph. 4:3: "Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
"Unity of the Spirit" is not unity within the Spirit; this same chapter goes on to say there is only one Spirit. "Unity" is literally "agreement" or "unanimity", meaning that we have a unanimous agreement with the Spirit of God. this is a believer's contract with the Holy Spirit.
"In the bond of peace" refers to a binding together with peace that is like the sinews that bind muscle to bone and make togetherness and function possible in the human body. The Spirit's contract is to be kept in the bonds of love, fellowship, togetherness, brotherhood, and all things that lead to peace.
There are no lone wolf Christ-followers. My personal covenant with Christ is demonstrated in my peaceable attachment to the Body of Christ. The Spirit contract leads to right relationship with all of God's other children. "By this shall all [men] know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another," John 13:35.
There are consequences in our relationships for breaking the Spirit contract. More to come.
(Blue Letter Bible. "Paul's Epistle - Ephesians 4:3 - (KJV - King James Version)." Blue Letter Bible. 1996-2010. 10 Dec 2010. < http://www.blueletterbible.org/Bible.cfm?b=Eph&c=4&t=KJV >)
copyright December 10, 2010 by Glen Gaugh
Sunday, December 5, 2010
A note for Sunday morning, 12/5/10
A lot of time and attention is focused on teaching and discussing the roles of biblical church leaders and ministry offices mentioned in the New Testament, such as the five-fold ministry offices, as well as bishops, deacons, and elders. Apostolic ministry depends greatly on the operation of these gifts and the biblical application of authority.
However, the real question is who should be the focus? Is the church's role to produce outstanding apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers? Most certainly, the church that is alive and producing fruit will identify and train those upon whom these gifts and callings rest. But the mandate to the church is to create disciples, or saints, and I think we sometimes turn the picture upside down and backwards.
Consider this: The word "saint" or "saints" appears in the Bible 101 times in the King James version of the Bible, with definitions including holy, holy one, pious, godly, and good. The book of Psalms has the most mentions of the word "saints", as this is the group that is exhorted over and over again to worship and fear God throughout the holy songs of Israel.
While I am not Catholic, I think looking at what sainthood requires in the Catholic church would put some perspective on what is should mean to be a saint. One is considered for sainthood only after death. The candidates life is scrutinized very carefully by the local bishop to make sure the life was pious and the teachings or writings of the candidate were doctrinally pure. The candidate is then referred to a council at the Vatican for consideration, and after this group agrees that the candidate is worthy, the individual is considered "venerable" and eligible for the second step. "Beatification" of a candidate is achieved when one miracle occurs after death that can be attributed to the candidate as a response to prayers offered to that individual, and then the candidate can be venerated on a regional basis. Only after a second miracle is attributed to the candidate can the individual be "canonized" and venerated by the entire Catholic church.
I do not believe in praying to the dead in Christ, and I believe miracles are only attributable to Christ. Theological differences aside, a Catholic can be a priest, bishop, cardinal, or even the Pope, and never even be considered to be a saint. Meanwhile, we talk about saints as if anyone who has their name on a church role book can carry the title. Sainthood should be a life-long pursuit that carries the most serious responsibility in winning the lost world for Christ.
In future posts, I will be sharing the results of a study on the priesthood of New Testament believers, as I believe this will help everyday, extraordinary saints carry out spiritual, biblical leadership in the home, school, work, and community spheres of life; after all, those are the areas of life where all the lost and hurting reside, right?
(information on Catholic priesthood was obtained from http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php#choose)
However, the real question is who should be the focus? Is the church's role to produce outstanding apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers? Most certainly, the church that is alive and producing fruit will identify and train those upon whom these gifts and callings rest. But the mandate to the church is to create disciples, or saints, and I think we sometimes turn the picture upside down and backwards.
Consider this: The word "saint" or "saints" appears in the Bible 101 times in the King James version of the Bible, with definitions including holy, holy one, pious, godly, and good. The book of Psalms has the most mentions of the word "saints", as this is the group that is exhorted over and over again to worship and fear God throughout the holy songs of Israel.
While I am not Catholic, I think looking at what sainthood requires in the Catholic church would put some perspective on what is should mean to be a saint. One is considered for sainthood only after death. The candidates life is scrutinized very carefully by the local bishop to make sure the life was pious and the teachings or writings of the candidate were doctrinally pure. The candidate is then referred to a council at the Vatican for consideration, and after this group agrees that the candidate is worthy, the individual is considered "venerable" and eligible for the second step. "Beatification" of a candidate is achieved when one miracle occurs after death that can be attributed to the candidate as a response to prayers offered to that individual, and then the candidate can be venerated on a regional basis. Only after a second miracle is attributed to the candidate can the individual be "canonized" and venerated by the entire Catholic church.
I do not believe in praying to the dead in Christ, and I believe miracles are only attributable to Christ. Theological differences aside, a Catholic can be a priest, bishop, cardinal, or even the Pope, and never even be considered to be a saint. Meanwhile, we talk about saints as if anyone who has their name on a church role book can carry the title. Sainthood should be a life-long pursuit that carries the most serious responsibility in winning the lost world for Christ.
In future posts, I will be sharing the results of a study on the priesthood of New Testament believers, as I believe this will help everyday, extraordinary saints carry out spiritual, biblical leadership in the home, school, work, and community spheres of life; after all, those are the areas of life where all the lost and hurting reside, right?
(information on Catholic priesthood was obtained from http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php#choose)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Truth
Truth
How do you worship with a timbrel? You shake it ‘til it rings.
And how do you worship with a song, if its words, you do not sing?
How do you worship with the Spirit, if not through strength and mind,
And how do you worship with the Truth? With God’s intentions, well defined.
How can someone be Jesus’ hands, and mouth, and feet?
By reaching out, walking far, and speaking no deceit.
By giving away as He has given everything to you,
Because His Truth is demonstrated in everything you do.
How do we show God’s love in a world of angst and hate?
Can’t we just learn to get along, let our differences dissipate?
It’s true the Lord wants all of us to learn to live in peace,
But Truth demands a choice from us: devotion that does not cease.
We can wear our names, and tags, and titles, imply what we believe.
Make it someone else’s fault; our vague intentions not received.
We can smile and speak with pleasant words, make love merely a token,
But Truth is only Truth if it is kindly, boldly, spoken.
Inspired by John 4:23-24: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
And Hebrews 2:3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him…
And Psalm 51:6: Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
How do you worship with a timbrel? You shake it ‘til it rings.
And how do you worship with a song, if its words, you do not sing?
How do you worship with the Spirit, if not through strength and mind,
And how do you worship with the Truth? With God’s intentions, well defined.
How can someone be Jesus’ hands, and mouth, and feet?
By reaching out, walking far, and speaking no deceit.
By giving away as He has given everything to you,
Because His Truth is demonstrated in everything you do.
How do we show God’s love in a world of angst and hate?
Can’t we just learn to get along, let our differences dissipate?
It’s true the Lord wants all of us to learn to live in peace,
But Truth demands a choice from us: devotion that does not cease.
We can wear our names, and tags, and titles, imply what we believe.
Make it someone else’s fault; our vague intentions not received.
We can smile and speak with pleasant words, make love merely a token,
But Truth is only Truth if it is kindly, boldly, spoken.
Inspired by John 4:23-24: But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him.
And Hebrews 2:3: How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him…
And Psalm 51:6: Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden [part] thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
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